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What is a Capsule Wardrobe?

Before I talk about why I switched to a Capsule Wardrobe, I wanted to talk a bit about what is a Capsule Wardrobe. The idea is that instead of a closet jam packed with clothes that you never wear, you curate a small group of clothes, shoes and accessories. These clothes should all work together and they all should be something you love or look good in.

According to the internet (and we know that makes it true!) the term was coined by Susie Faux, who had a boutique called Wardrobe in London in the 1970’s. She stated that a Capsule Wardrobe was a collection of a few essential items of clothing. These items didn’t go out of style and that could be updated with seasonal pieces.

Since then, Capsule Wardrobe has evolved to pretty much mean whatever you want it to mean, though in it’s essence it revolves around key pieces in your wardrobe.

Some people do Project 333, where you have 33 items of clothing and accessories that you wear for 3 months. You are basically making a seasoned capsule wardrobe.

Before I Started A Capsule Wardrobe

Let’s talk about before I started a Capsule Wardrobe. I regularly went shopping. My grocery store was right by a Marshall’s and a TJ Maxx, so every time I went grocery shopping, I would walk through just to see what they had. I had no plans, no specific needs. If I saw something I liked I bought it. Especially shirts, shirts were so easy to buy. They would always go with a pair of jeans.

That became my look. A new shirt that I had just bought and a pair of jeans. Whenever I walked in my overflowing closet instead of feeling happy, I felt stressed. I had all these clothes bought mainly on a whim. The spark that flared a little when I bought them, also died as quickly as it came.

I wasn’t buying plain, neutral pieces. I was buying signature pieces. Patterns, colors anything that stood out. My closet was a jumble of colors and patterns. I didn’t feel good when I looked at it, I felt scattered.

Why I Capsule Wardrobe

I started a Capsule Wardrobe last summer and haven’t regretted it for a single moment. If you read the posts above, you’ll see how I chose my neutral colors, picked bottoms and tops and chose an accent color. When I walk into my closet now, I feel calm. There is no jumble of patterns, no clash of colors. I know that practically every single top goes with every single bottom. Every layering piece can go with all the other pieces. From this handful of clothes, I can make a multitude of outfits.

Now some of you may look at it and think it looks boring. I get it. But for me, right now, this is working. I don’t need a lot of clothes, I need clothes that can be worn effortlessly. I don’t have to rush out and buy the latest and greatest. However if there is a certain trendy item that I want, I can get it.

This summer I bought one item. One pair of beige pants cropped pants. They went with every single top. They looked great. I love them.

I’ve already bought one new item for my fall capsule wardrobe – a black blazer. I had been wanting one and I knew it would fit perfectly in my wardrobe. Think about that. Look at the first set of photos from before my capsule. That black blazer would not have gone with anything. It looks like it might have went with the middle photo, but that is actually a navy and cream top.

Now think about adding that black blazer to the capsule wardrobe outfits. It would go with any of them.

I’ve already got my fall wardrobe ready, it’s the same as last year, plus the blazer. I’ll go through it and see if anything needs to be replaced or if I want to add another accent color. I’m thinking a wine/burgundy color might be nice. I thought that last year too and didn’t find anything I liked, so I’m still open for it this year.

I realize a Capsule Wardrobe is not for everyone, but for me, it’s perfect. Also, I did get rid of a lot of clothes, when I switched. However, I still have a small rack of clothes that don’t fit in my capsule, but I still like them. Eventually I might give them away, but for now, I am fine with them.

About Pam Greer

Pam Greer can be found at her foodie (and wine, and books, and cats) blog: Sidewalk Shoes, at her professional photography business: Pamela Greer Photography, at her daily photography blog: Pamela Greer 365. By the time you've read this, she has probably started another site.

Reader Interactions

Comments

Loved this post and all your reasons about your capsule wardrobe. I love every single outfit because yes they are basics and lots of neutrals, yet everything is so classic and looks great, Pam! I have done capsule seasons or months several times and last Summer I did one for most of the Summer with some black and white pieces but most of the pieces I chose were navy, baby blue and light pink like blush pink, with a few touches of yellow. I created so many looks and could have done a lot more!

Thank you for linking up with Thursday Moda last week. A new one will be live on Wed at 8 PM Eastern time so join it again, my friend. =) Meanwhile there is a new poem on my blog, hope you like it. It is a good one. 😉

Hi Pam
I enjoyed reading how you got started with the capsule wardrobe. I love color and can certainly see the idea behind it – being mindful and purposeful when you are shopping for your wardrobe. I also agree with loving what you have and wanting to wear what is in your closet. Otherwise, what is it doing there/ i ask myself before I buy- Do I love it? What will I wear with it? Does it fit my lifestyle?
thanks for linking!
jess xxhttp://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

I love capsules, too! It’s a common mistake to assume that capsules need to be all (or mostly) neutral. I have created capsules that are very colorful, and still everything works together. It’s about being mindful when you plan and shop!

I also love the capsule concept. While I have yet to do a “formal” capsule, I’ve long lived by a small closet of basics jazzed up with a some seasonal trend accessories. It really does make life so much easier and you end up having MORE options because everything coordinates so well. Great post – pinning!

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